Srinagar: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) is set to take on NEROCA FC in an I-League match on Saturday, (March 30), at TRC Ground in Srinagar.
Addressing a pre-match press conference Friday, RKFC head coach Ishfaq Ahmad stated that Saturday’s match against NEROCA FC would be tough.
“They are performing quite well late in this season. NEROCA FC has won their last two games. Our players are ready to face them. This is an important game for us. We want to finish this season as strongly as possible,” Ishfaq said.
When asked about the difficulty for players transitioning from playing on artificial turf in Srinagar to natural turf elsewhere, Ishfaq replied, “Sometimes it can be challenging, but our players are accustomed to it. I hope they will approach tomorrow’s match with the same determination they have shown so far.”
The RKFC head coach highlighted the inadequate sports grounds in J&K, expressing the need for more and better facilities. “We need more and better grounds. The credit goes to J&K Sports Council for managing with the limited availability of grounds.”
Ishfaq expressed disappointment that RKFC’s last four games ended in draws. “But I give full credit to the boys for the way they have played this season so far.”
RKFC player Ifham acknowledged that the match against NEROCA FC would be difficult. “We will approach it like any other game,” he said, adding that it was a privilege to be part of RKFC this season.
NEROCA FC coach Gyan Moyon and player Ronaldo Nongthombam also briefed the media, stating that playing against RKFC would be a tough challenge.
RKFC currently occupies 4th position in the standings with 37 points from 21 matches including 10 wins, seven draws, and four defeats. Among the 12 clubs participating in the I-League 2023-2024, RKFC stands out as the only team to have defeated table-toppers Mohammedan SC, and that too on its home ground in Kolkata.
